The Franc-Lyonnais probably originates from lands which used to belong to the church of Lyon. After being put under the protection of the count of Savoy, in 1398, the province is united to the kingdom of France around 1475, while remaining a province considered as foreign and within the lands of the German Empire. The Franc-Lyonnais strikes a deal in 1556 with the monarchy, guaranteeing its privileges, mainly the exemption from taxes. All the political story of Franc-Lyonnais is the one of the defense of its privileges, which the monarchy tries to take away during the 18th century.